Methods and apparatus for playing a game of chance

ABSTRACT

A method of playing a game of chance includes displaying a bingo matrix that includes each number available for random selection in a bingo game and randomly selecting bingo numbers for use in the bingo game. The method also includes populating the bingo matrix with a playing card randomly selected from a deck of cards, wherein the specific number to be populated in the matrix is populated based on the bingo number previously selected and awarding a first prize to a player based on a determination that a pre-determined winning bingo criteria has been satisfied. The method also includes evaluating the bingo matrix to determine if a second prize should be awarded based on the bingo numbers used in satisfying the winning bingo criteria and awarding a second prize to the player if pre-determined winning poker criteria has been satisfied

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to games of chance, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for playing a primary game of chance while playing a secondary game of chance that is based on the primary game.

Known gaming industries, such as casinos may include electronic gaming machines (EGMs) such as slot machines, video poker machines, and/or bingo machines. Known EGMs may be physical, virtual, and/on on-line. Because of the variety of known EGMs, the competition for players among EGMs is intense and gaming industries have been forced to develop different methods to attract and/or retain players to in their gaming industries and their machines. For example, at least some known gaming industries have created linked progressive jackpot systems in which multiple gaming machines and/or multiple games of chance are linked together into groups of machines or games of chance that share the same bonus pot. The theory is that such progressive jackpots may provide an additional incentive and motivation to players because of their generous potential rewards. However, the chances of winning one of these jackpots are typically far less than the other games, and as result, such jackpot systems are generally a revenue maker for the gaming industry.

Other gaming industries have attempted to attract players by offering a secondary game of chance that is played “simultaneously”, and/or is based on, the primary game, such that the outcome of the primary game influences the outcome of the secondary game. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,057, describes a game of chance wherein the primary game is poker and the secondary game is bingo, wherein a bingo matrix is only modified when a complete poker hand is determined. As a result, the primary game, does not provide an incentive to the player to maintain an interest in the secondary game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a method of playing a game of chance is provided. The method includes displaying a bingo matrix that includes each number available for random selection in a bingo game and randomly selecting bingo numbers for use in the bingo game. The method also includes populating the bingo matrix with a playing card randomly selected from a deck of cards, wherein the specific number to be populated in the matrix is populated based on the bingo number previously selected and awarding a first prize to a player based on a determination that a pre-determined winning bingo criteria has been satisfied. The method also includes evaluating the bingo matrix to determine if a second prize should be awarded based on the bingo numbers used in satisfying the winning bingo criteria and awarding a second prize to the player if pre-determined winning poker criteria has been satisfied.

In another aspect, game of chance is provided. The game of chance includes a matrix display including an array of seventy-five numbers arranged in a pre-determined order and a bingo number generator for use in randomly selecting a bingo number for use in a bingo game. The game of chance also includes a randomly-ordered deck of playing cards for use in populating the matrix display, wherein a specific one of the numbers within the array is populated with one of the playing cards after each bingo number has been generated, and wherein the specific one of the numbers within the array corresponds to the bingo number generated.

In another aspect, a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a first prize fund, a second prize fund, a bingo game, and a poker game. The bingo game includes a matrix display and a bingo number generator, the matrix display includes an array of seventy-five numbers arranged in a pre-determined order, wherein the bingo number generator is for use in randomly selecting a bingo number for use in the bingo game. The first prize fund is awarded based on pre-determined bingo winning criteria being satisfied. The poker game includes a randomly-ordered deck of playing cards for use in populating the bingo game matrix display, wherein a specific one of the numbers within the array is populated with a specific one of the playing cards after each bingo number has been generated, wherein the specific one of the numbers within the array corresponds to the bingo number generated. The second prize fund is awarded based on the winning bingo criteria and based on independent winning poker criteria being satisfied.

In yet another aspect, a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a processor and a display for displaying a bingo matrix that includes each number available for random selection in a bingo game. The processor is coupled to the display and is programmed to randomly select a bingo number for use in the bingo game, populate the bingo matrix with a randomly-selected playing card, wherein a specific number in the matrix is populated based on the bingo ball number previously selected, determine if winning bingo criteria has been satisfied, and determine if a first prize should be awarded to a player based on the determination that pre-determined winning bingo criteria has been satisfied. The processor is also programmed to determine if a second prize should be awarded based on the bingo numbers in satisfying the winning bingo criteria and determine if pre-determined winning poker criteria has also been satisfied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary game of chance.

FIG. 2 is flow chart of an exemplary game of chance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary game of chance 10 including a gaming system 11. While game 10 is described in terms of certain specific embodiments, it is by no means limited to those embodiments. For example, components used within game 10 may have a variety of shapes, sizes, and formats. Details of these embodiments have been provided in order to provide a thorough understanding of game 10. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that game 10 may be practiced without limitation to any specific details presented herein. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, game 10 is described as being used with a physical game location, but it is not limited to being played only in a physical location. For example, game 10 can be used in conjunction with an electronic gaming machine or as an auxiliary display used in cooperation with a pre-existing electronic, stand-alone, video-based, or internet-based gaming equipment.

As used herein, the terms “game of chance,” “gaming,” “gaming devices,” “electronic gaming devices,” and “electronic gaming apparatus” represent games in which some form of wagering may be involved and in which players may be awarded prizes based when pre-established winning criteria are satisfied. Game 10 may be a casino-based game, a hand-held game, a video-based game and/or an on-line or internet-based game. Game 10 may be used with any gaming system delivery method, i.e., physical game play, virtual game play, video game play, raffle game play, lottery-pull-ticket game play, or on-line game play. Furthermore, it is understood that game 10 may also be linked to a progressive system of electronic games.

Gaming system 11 includes a matrix display 12 which may be selected from a variety of displays, including but not limited to, a screen, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting display (LED), a plasma display, a field emission display (FED), a digital micro-mirror display, a projection display, a LCD touch screen, and/or any other medium that enables display 12 to function as described herein. Display 12 includes a matrix 14 formed from an array 15 of a plurality of columns 16 and a plurality of rows 18. In the exemplary embodiment, array 15 is organized such that columns 16 and rows 18 form conjoining squares 20. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, matrix 14 is a bingo or bingo-based matrix that includes fifteen columns 16 and five rows 18 arranged to form seventy-five squares 20, and wherein each row 18 is labeled with the letters B-I-N-G-O. In another embodiment, bingo matrix 14 includes five columns 16 and fifteen rows 18 arranged to form seventy-five squares 20, and wherein each column 16 is labeled with the letters B-I-N-G-O. In the exemplary embodiment, squares in row B are assigned a number ranging from one to fifteen, squares in row I are assigned a number ranging from sixteen to thirty, squares in row N are assigned a number that ranges from thirty-one to forty-five, squares in row G are assigned a number that ranges from forty-six to sixty, and squares in row O are assigned a number that ranges from sixty-one to seventy-five. Alternatively, matrix 14 may be used to display a variety of symbols, including but not limited to numbers, letters, alpha-numerics, playing cards, and any combination of the above.

Game 10 uses a plurality of bingo or bingo-based game cards 22. Bingo game cards 22 are known in the industry and each includes a game card matrix 24 that enables a player (not shown) to participate in, and to play a bingo game. As known in the art, bingo cards 22 include a plurality of columns 26 and a plurality of rows 28 arranged such that conjoining squares 30 are defined. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, bingo cards 22 is a bingo or bingo-based matrix that includes five columns 26 and five rows 28 arranged to form twenty-five squares 30, and wherein each column 26 is labeled with the letters B-I-N-G-O.

Game 10 includes a bingo number generator 32. In the exemplary embodiment, bingo number generator 32 is a bingo number ball generator that randomly selects a known bingo ball 34 from seventy-five bingo balls 34 stored in a container or bin 36. In the exemplary embodiment, each bingo ball 34 is labeled with an alphanumeric label. Specifically, as is known, each bingo ball 34 includes a number ranging from one to seventy-five and a letter selected from the group B, I, N, G, or O. For example, five of the balls may be labeled “B1”, “I17”, “N36”, “G54”, and “O75”.

Gaming system 11 also includes a deck of playing cards 38 that include at least fifty-two cards 40. In the exemplary embodiment, deck of cards 38 is known. In another embodiment, deck of playing cards 38 includes more or less than fifty-two cards 40. Cards 40 are used to populate matrix 14, as will be described herein.

In one embodiment, gaming system 11 includes a processor 42 that is operatively coupled to bingo number generator 32 and to deck of cards 38. In such an embodiment, processor 42 is configured to generate bingo numbers for use in a bingo game and to randomly select playing cards for use in a poker game. As used herein, the term processor is not limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as processors, but broadly refers to computers, processors, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, application specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits.

Gaming system 11 includes a funding schedule (not shown) for funding a first prize fund 44 and a second prize fund 46. The funding schedule may be based on a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to the number of players, the number of playing cards 38 used in conjunction with gaming system 11, the number of bingo cards 22 anticipated to be used, an initial participation cost or a bingo fee, and a separate participation cost to participate in the secondary game of chance or poker game. In the exemplary embodiment, the secondary game of chance is based on a standard five card draw poker game. Alternatively, the secondary game of chance may be based on other poker games, including but not limited to, seven-card draw or Pai-Gow poker games. In a other alternative embodiments, the secondary game of chance is based on other criteria being satisfied such as is common with slot-machines, wherein the criteria may require that various colors, symbols, or combinations of colors and symbols be matched to satisfy the winning criteria.

In the exemplary embodiment, a player pays a participation fee to play bingo and a second participation fee to play in the poker game, wherein the bingo fee is used to fund first prize fund 44 and the poker fee is used to fund second prize fund 46. In alternative embodiment, participants pay a participation fee and a percentage of funds are allocated to first prize fund 44 and to second prize fund 46 based on the funding schedule. For example, in such an embodiment, a substantial percentage, such as sixty percent of the total participation fees paid by players is used to fund first prize fund 44, and a percentage of the remaining funds, such as forty percent is used to fund second prize fund 46.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming system 11 automatically rolls over funding from second prize fund 46 for use in future games after any applicable awards have been paid to participants satisfying the winning poker criteria. Specifically, if second prize fund 46 is not awarded when a participant has satisfied any winning bingo criteria, then the funds remaining in second prize fund 46 are available for the next bingo game and may be increased as additional players pay their respective participant fees.

Gaming system 11 also includes a weighted payout schedule 48 used to determine the frequency and/or amount at which second prize funds are awarded. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, payout schedule 48 is based on the approximate probability of obtaining a specified winning poker hand. For example, in one embodiment, the payout schedule 48 is weighted such that a participant has a 0.00015% probability of obtaining a Royal Flush poker hand, a 0.0014% probability of obtaining a Straight Flush poker hand, a 0.03% probability of obtaining a Four of a Kind, a 0.15% probability of obtaining a Full House, a 0.2% probability of obtaining a Flush, a 0.4% probability of obtaining a Straight, a 2.0% probability of obtaining a Three of a Kind, a 5.0% probability of obtaining a Two Pair, and a 12.8% probability of obtaining a Jacks or Better. In the exemplary embodiment, the weighted payout schedule 48 and awarding of the second prize fund 46 requires that the player use five cards to satisfy the winning criteria for the second prize fund 46. As such, and as will be described in more detail below, a player winning a bingo based on only covering four numbers and free space 52 on bingo card 22 would not be eligible nor satisfy necessary winning criteria for second prize fund 46. In one embodiment, weighted payout schedule 48 may be modified based on the number of games played without winning criteria for second prize fund 46 being satisfied. For example, in such an embodiment, the weighted payout schedule 48 for a poker hand may increase to continue to motivate new players after a pre-determined number of bingo games have been completed.

Gaming system 11 includes a display 50 configured to display the weighted payout schedule 48 in percentage and/or in dollar amounts at any given time. Display 50 and the weighted payout schedule 48 are updated after each game.

As described above, game 10 is playable on a variety of different formats and with any number of participants depending on the gaming format. To aid in description only, the play of game 10 is described using a plurality of players. As each player pays their participation fees to play game 10, first prize fund 44 increases, thus increasing the attraction of additional players. As players pay their participation fees, the participants are also given the option to participate in the secondary game of chance or the poker game. As more players elect to participate in the secondary game of chance, secondary prize fund 46 is also increased which has the desired effect of attracting even more players.

In the exemplary embodiment, bingo matrix 14 is displayed such that each bingo number available for random selection is illustrated in square 20. Play is commenced when bingo number generator 32 is initiated to randomly select bingo numbers 34. For example, in a game, a bingo number 34 labeled “B1” may be randomly selected. As the specific bingo number 34 is selected, a playing card 40 is randomly selected and positioned or displayed within the specific square 20 in matrix 14 corresponding to B1. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, after the bingo number 34 labeled “B1” has been selected, a playing card 40, i.e., the Queen of Hearts, is randomly selected and is displayed in the B1 square within matrix 14. More specifically, in the example, the Queen of Hearts, indicates that bingo number B1 has been randomly selected for play on bingo cards 22, and that the Queen of Hearts is in play for those playing the poker game. As game 10 progresses, matrix 14 is continued to be populated with additional randomly selected cards 40, until a player has satisfied the winning criteria for the bingo or bingo-based game.

In one embodiment, matrix 14 is populated substantially simultaneously with numbers from bingo number generator 32 and playing cards 40. By substantially simultaneously, it is meant that bingo number generator 32 and playing cards 40 are randomly selected and are displayed substantially concurrently on matrix 14. Matrix 14 is configured such that no number or playing card will appear twice within matrix 14 while game 10 is in play.

After each subsequent selection of a bingo number 34, each player makes a determination whether their playing card(s) 22 satisfies the winning bingo criteria. Various combinations of playing card columns 26 and rows 28 can produce winning bingo criteria, including, but not limited to, completing a row of five squares 30 in the same row 28 or in the same column 26. As described above, although a player may satisfy winning bingo criteria by using free space 52, such a winning bingo criteria will not satisfy the winning poker criteria.

Game 10 is considered “active” and subsequent bingo numbers 34, and associated playing cards 40, are selected, and populated within matrix 14 as described herein, until a player announces that a desired winning bingo or bingo-based criteria has been satisfied. At such a time, and only after a determination is made that the winning bingo criteria has in fact been satisfied without the use of free space 52, then matrix 14 is evaluated to determine if any winning poker criteria has been satisfied. If any winning poker criteria has been satisfied, then the player receives the first prize fund 44 and a portion of the second prize fund 46 is awarded to the player. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, bingo card 22 satisfies the winning bingo criteria, i.e., “B1”, “I17”, “N36”, “G54”, and “O75”, and a poker hand 54 satisfies a winning poker criteria, i.e., a Full House. More specifically, upon a determination of a bingo winner (i.e., winning bingo criteria being satisfied) first prize fund 44 is paid out according to an established bingo pay out schedule, and the appropriate second prize fund 46 is paid to the player in accordance with payout schedule 48 and only if a winning poker criteria is met. As such, a player can win the bingo game and not have a winning poker hand, in which case, fund 46 is “rolled-over” for the next game and remains unpaid.

In an alternative embodiment, prior to the start of game 10, players are given the option to play a raffle-type or lottery-style, pull-tab type of game (not shown). Each raffle-type game uses chance tickets (not shown) that each include at least five pull-tabs which extend over, and hide, five independent alpha-numeric identifiers. It should be noted that means other than pull-tabs may be used, such as but not limited to scratch-off areas. Each alpha-numeric identifier includes a number ranging from one to seventy-five and a letter selected from the group B, I, N, G, or O. More specifically, the alpha-numeric identifiers are not viewable until the tabs are pulled or removed to expose the identifiers.

During play, in such an embodiment, when a player has won the bingo game, each player holding a raffle-type chance ticket may also examine the chance ticket to determine if the alpha-numeric identifiers on their ticket form a pre-determined winning poker hand, as compared to the populated matrix 14. More specifically, upon determination of a bingo winner, first prize fund 44 is paid out according to the established bingo pay out schedule, and any appropriate second prize fund 46 is paid to each player satisfying the winning poker criteria in accordance with payout schedule 48. As such, a player can win the bingo game, and not have a winning poker hand on bingo card 22, or alternatively, players that did not win the bingo game may still have a winning hand via their chance tickets.

Game 10 is attractive to players by offering a secondary game of chance, i.e., a poker game, that is played concurrently with the primary game of chance, i.e., the bingo game, such that the outcome of the primary game influences the outcome of the secondary game. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, the poker game provides an additional incentive to the bingo game players.

FIG. 2 is flow chart 100 illustrating an exemplary gaming method for playing a game of chance 10. The gaming method includes displaying 102 a bingo matrix that includes each number available for random selection in bingo game, randomly selecting 104 bingo numbers for use in the bingo game, and subsequently populating 106 the bingo matrix with a playing card that has been randomly selected from deck of cards. More specifically, the specific number to be populated in the bingo matrix is in fact populated based on the bingo number previously selected. The method also includes awarding 108 a first prize to a player based on a determination that a pre-determined winning bingo criteria has been satisfied, and then evaluating 110 the bingo matrix to determine if a second prize should be awarded based on the bingo numbers used in satisfying the winning bingo criteria. Moreover, the method also includes awarding 112 a second prize to the player if a pre-determined winning poker criteria has been satisfied.

The above-described gaming system provides an exciting and entertaining means for attracting game players to participate in a game of chance. Moreover, the gaming system provides the additional incentive of additional prize awards to game players. More specifically, players have an opportunity to be awarded a first prize based on a determination that a pre-determined winning bingo criteria has been satisfied, and also be awarded a second prize if a pre-determined winning poker criteria has been satisfied. As a result, a gaming system is provided which facilitates attracting, entertaining, and rewarding players participating in a game of chance.

Exemplary embodiments of gaming systems and their associated components are described above in detail. The components and the gaming systems are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each system may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. Each gaming system component can also be used in combination with other gaming system components. Moreover, each gaming system can be performed independently and separately from the components described herein.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

1. A method of playing a game of chance, said method comprises: displaying a bingo matrix that includes each number available for random selection in a bingo game; randomly selecting bingo numbers for use in the bingo game; populating the bingo matrix with a playing card randomly selected from a deck of cards, wherein the specific number in the matrix is populated based on the bingo number previously selected; awarding a first prize to a player based on a determination that a pre-determined winning bingo criteria has been satisfied; evaluating the bingo matrix to determine if a second prize should be awarded based on the bingo numbers used in satisfying the winning bingo criteria; and awarding a second prize to the player if a pre-determined winning poker criteria has been satisfied.
 2. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising establishing a payout schedule for use with the second prize.
 3. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising: establishing a prize fund for use in awarding second prizes; establishing the winning criteria necessary for the second prize to be awarded; and allocating a percentage of the prize fund for each winning criteria based on a pre-determined weighted schedule.
 4. A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein allocating a percentage of the prize fund for each winning criteria based on a pre-determined weighted schedule further comprises establishing a weighted schedule for use in awarding the prize fund.
 5. A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein establishing the winning criteria necessary for the second prize to be awarded further comprises establishing a listing of poker hands for use in awarding the prize fund.
 6. A method in accordance with claim 3 further comprising displaying a payout schedule associated with each winning criteria.
 7. A game of chance comprising: a matrix display comprising an array of seventy-five numbers arranged in an pre-determined order; a bingo number generator for use in randomly selecting a bingo number for use in a bingo game; and a randomly-ordered deck of playing cards for use in populating said matrix display, wherein a specific one of said numbers within said array is populated with one of said playing cards after each bingo number has been generated, said specific one of said numbers within said array corresponds to the bingo number generated.
 8. A game of chance in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a first prize fund and a second prize fund, said second prize fund is awarded only after said first prize fund has been awarded.
 9. A game of chance in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a bingo payout schedule for use with said first prize fund.
 10. A game of chance in accordance with claim 8 wherein said randomly-ordered deck of playing cards is for use in a poker game.
 11. A game of chance in accordance with claim 10 further comprising pre-determined weighted schedule for use with said second prize fund.
 12. A game of chance in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a listing of poker hands satisfying pre-defined winning criteria.
 13. A game of chance in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a payout display.
 14. A gaming system comprising: a first prize fund; a second prize fund; a bingo game comprising a matrix display and a bingo number generator, said matrix display comprising an array of seventy-five numbers arranged in an pre-determined order, said bingo number generator for use in randomly selecting a bingo number for use in said bingo game, said first prize fund awarded based on pre-determined bingo winning criteria being satisfied; and a poker game comprising a randomly-ordered deck of playing cards for use in populating said bingo game matrix display, wherein a specific one of said numbers within said array is populated with a specific one of said playing cards after each bingo number has been generated, said specific one of said numbers within said array corresponds to the bingo number generated, said second prize fund awarded based on the winning bingo criteria and based on independent winning poker criteria being satisfied.
 15. A system in accordance with claim 14 wherein said winning bingo criteria comprises predetermined patterns of determining whether a player has populated a predetermined pattern of bingo numbers displayed in a row, or in a column on a game card.
 16. A system in accordance with claim 14 wherein said winning poker criteria comprises a listing of pre-determined poker hands.
 17. A system in accordance with claim 14 further comprising a payout display comprising a listing of possible poker hands and an associated award payout for each of said possible poker hands.
 18. A system in accordance with claim 14 further comprising a payout schedule comprising a combination of the number of players, said winning bingo criteria, and said winning poker criteria.
 19. A gaming system comprising: a processor; and a display for displaying a bingo matrix that includes each number available for random selection in a bingo game, said processor coupled to said display and programmed to: randomly select a bingo number for use in the bingo game; populate the bingo matrix with a randomly-selected playing card, wherein a specific number in the matrix is populated based on the bingo ball number previously selected; determine if winning bingo criteria has been satisfied; determine if a first prize should be awarded to a player based on the determination that pre-determined winning bingo criteria has been satisfied; determine if a second prize should be awarded based on the bingo numbers in satisfying the winning bingo criteria; and determine if pre-determined winning poker criteria has also been satisfied.
 20. A system in accordance with claim 19 wherein said processor is further programmed to: display a payout schedule associated with each winning criteria; and determine if a percentage of the second prize fund should be awarded based on a pre-determined weighted schedule. 